Risk Assessments & Safeguarding What about risk assessments and safeguarding? Expand A Hazard Identification Sheet will be sent to you prior to your visit to help you complete your risk assessment. While the Royal Gunpowder Mills carries out regular risk assessments, teachers are welcome to visit the site in advance of the booked school visit to undertake their own risk assessment and assist the specific needs of individuals in their group. The Royal Gunpowder Mills has a dedicated First Aid room and there will be a designated First Aider on site throughout the school visit. A copy of our safeguarding policy is available upon request.
Cancellations What if I need to cancel my booking? Expand Cancellations should be emailed to [email protected]. As our sessions are delivered by an external performer we are unable to offer free cancellations. Virtual visit cancellations will be charged at 100% of the total cost. In school visit cancellations will be charged at 70% of the total cost. On site visit cancellations will be charged at 50% of the total cost. All cancellations made less than 24 hours before the visits will be charged at 100% of the total cost.
Teacher Expectations What will our school teachers and accompanying adults be expected to do during our visit? Expand Teachers and accompanying adults are expected to stay with their group and experience the sessions alongside pupils. Responsibility for pupils on school visits remains with the teachers and accompanying adults at all times.
Equipment Do we need to bring anything with us? Expand In short, the answer is "no", all materials will be provided. However, all attendees will need to bring their lunch and drinks with them and you need to ensure in colder weather that all attendees dress appropriately (although all spaces have heating, our buildings are very old!) Although we have an on-site first aid room, you may wish to bring your own kit with you.
Programme Availability Are all of the programmes available year round? Expand We currently offer three exciting curriculum-linked topics all year round: Victorian Life Discover what life was like in Victorian Britain and explore how changes to work, education, leisure and transport shaped the world we live in today. The Home Front From air raid shelters to rationing, explore how life at home changed during the Second World War. Rockets: Explosive Experiments (on site visits only) Explore rocketry through Professor Nitrate’s interactive science show, our Rocket Vault and hands-on learning activities.
Cafe Will the cafe be open during our visit? Expand No - Our cafe is only open during our public open days (Sundays and selected bank holidays).
Directions How do we get to the Royal Gunpowder Mills? Expand Our address is: The Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY To find us, you can also use what3words.com: camera.acute.supper The turning point for Beaulieu Drive is located on Station Road (the A121) across from McDonalds. The entrance for the Royal Gunpowder Mills is located at the top north end of Beaulieu Drive. For school visits, please use the entrance gate on the right hand side (not the gate straight ahead). Please press the gate intercom upon arrival. A member of the Learning and Outreach Team will meet your group upon arrival. See our directions page for a map.
First Aid Is their first aid on site? Expand There are first aid facilities on site and there will be a designated First Aider on site throughout the school visit. However, First Aid provision is ultimately the responsibility of the teachers leading the group under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations, 1981.
Lunch Where can we have lunch? Expand Please make sure all attendees bring their lunch and drinks with them as our cafe is not open during school visiting hours. Indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) lunch facilities will be available.
Parking Where can we park? Expand Coaches can park on-site (unless otherwise instructed) and can remain there for the duration of your stay, free of charge. For coaches parking on-site: go to the black automatic gates (to the right at the end of Beaulieu Drive) and use the intercom to be allowed on site. You will be directed to a suitable parking space upon arrival. Occasionally, coaches may be instructed to park in the main car park - accessed through the gates at the top of Beaulieu Drive. However, you will be advised if this is needed. If pupils are being dropped off via parental cars, they can park in the main car park and you will be met by a member of our Learning and Outreach Team and taken on site from there.
Accessibility How can we meet your group's access needs? Expand We want everyone to enjoy our schools programme. All spaces used in our schools programme are wheelchair accessible. We are happy to adapt sessions to meet the access needs of your group. Please get in touch with our Learning and Outreach Team to discuss: 01992 707 320 [email protected] We have two wheelchair accessible toilets on site.
Pre-visit Can I visit before I bring my group? Expand If you have not visited us before, you may wish to come for a free pre-visit in order to familiarise yourself with the site and to complete any additional risk assessment paperwork you may need - and to discuss your selected programme. Please call or email to arrange a convenient time with the Learning and Outreach Team - unfortunately, we are not able to allow teachers to come without an appointment. 01992 707 320 [email protected]
Timings Of The Day What time does the day begin and end? Expand On Site Visits run from 10:30AM – 2:00PM (arrival time 10:00AM – 2:30PM departure time).
Adult-to-Student Ratio How many accompanying adults are needed? Expand Please make sure you have the correct adult-to-student ratio. For KS1 and KS2 we recommend a minimum of 1:10 adult-to-student ratio, but encourage 1:7. Students who require 1-2-1 support may bring their support workers for free.
Group Size What size groups do you cater for? Expand Due to covid restrictions, our current schools programme has a maximum capacity of 2 classes per visit. However, if you would like to visit us with three classes, please let us know and we will try to accommodate your group if possible.
Costs How much do virtual, in school and on site visits cost? Expand Virtual Visits: £80 In School Visits: £300 (4 x 30 minute performances or 3 x 45 minute performances) On Site Visits: £250 Please note: No VAT is charged on our school visits
Bookings How do I book a trip for my school? Expand Either by calling or emailing the Learning and Outreach Team: 01992 707 320 [email protected] You will need to provide the following information: Which course you require The year group of the students The amount of students you will be bringing A list of dates in preferential order